The root canal cavity comprises the nerves and blood vessels, which provide sensation and nourishment to the teeth. When the teeth decay or sustain severe damage, the dental pulp within the root canal cavity can be exposed to the microbes in the mouth, which leads to its infection. If the condition is left untreated for a considerable period, it can lead to tooth failure as well.
What are the symptoms of root canal infection?
- The infection of the dental pulp can discolor the tooth to a severe extent
- Extreme pain when you bite or chew food, brush the teeth, or even when you touch the tooth
- Loosening of the tooth from the jawbone socket
- Bleeding and discharge of pus
- Bad breath
- Bone deterioration
What causes root canal infection?
- Gum disease: Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can not only decay the gum tissues but infect the underlying jawbone as well. The microbes may enter the root canal cavity through the tooth roots and infect the dental pulp.
- Trauma: External trauma to the teeth can break, chip, or crack the teeth, thereby allowing the oral bacteria to enter the root canal cavity and infect the pulp.
- Cavities: Cavities caused due to tooth decay can erode the enamel and allow the harmful bacteria to reach the dental pulp. Cavities are the most common cause of root canal infection.
How is the condition treated?
The dentist will conduct a thorough diagnosis of the mouth and determine the severity of the infection. If we can treat it using only medication and a restorative approach, we will consider it. But, if the condition is too severe to be treated by medication, we will opt for root canal therapy.
In this treatment procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia near the infected tooth to numb it and the surrounding tissues. A small hole will be made on the tooth to access the infected pulp, through which the dentist will remove it using dental files. Laser therapy may be used to neutralize the microbes in the cavity and disinfect it, after which we will use a jet of water to wash away the debris. Antibiotic medication will be placed in the cavity, and the hole will be sealed off using suitable filling material.
Restoration
Since the tooth could gradually weaken due to the lack of nourishment, it stands a higher risk of cracking or sustaining damage. Hence, we suggest getting the tooth restored using a ceramic dental crown to keep it from breaking.
You may schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts by calling us at (317) 560-5556 or reaching us through an online query. We’re always happy to help.
